Six Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why use Remotely Recorded Ensembles?
With this shelter-in-place age and as an ensemble director myself (as well as jazz pianist/composer/recording artist, sometimes producer/arranger/keyboardist for The Roots and multi-Emmy-winning composer for t.v.), I was determined to find a way to capture the spirit and feeling of a live performance even while we are all socially distanced. With this service, I will work with you to produce a professionally audio-mixed, mastered, and edited video from your individual ensemble members separately recorded parts to truly capture just this spirit, preserved for posterity.
2. What is the process?
Each situation will be slightly different and we can discuss your specific goals and needs. But I am capable of doing everything from helping you create accompanimental audio and potentially video guide tracks to send to your players, including score and parts - based on a source recording you provide and/or your sheet music, and with your desired tempi/feel (with you even conducting the resulting track on video); providing arranging help as needed, and instructions to the individual players for how to submit their video and audios; assembling the audio into a stereo mix (optimizing and balancing the sound so everyone sounds like they are in the “same room” and adjusting for the different mics used, including just phone mics); to ultimately producing a final, edited, multi-screen video that aurally and visually reflects the feel of a live performance.
3. Can’t I just do this on my own?
If you already have adequate audio and video-editing chops you could also potentially do what I offer on your own, or via an existing software solution like the Acapella app (though the app requires everyone use iOS, and also possesses stock screen splits and other limitations as far as your ability to actually fully edit and optimize the sound and overall look of your video). However, I’m offering this service for those who wish to focus on the actual music-making, and who wish to create as optimized a final product as possible, drawing on my background as an Emmy-winning composer and songwriter, a bandleader, and producer for groups like The Roots (some Remotely Recorded examples of videos here).
4. What styles of music can you record?
I have a varied background (classical piano degree from Indiana University, jazz Masters from Manhattan School of Music, big band director, jazz pianist/composer/recording artist, multi-Emmy-winning composer/songwriter for t.v. & film, past member of the Lehman Engel BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, arranger for The Roots, etc.) so am comfortable working with most possible genres that might involve ensemble recording - from school and church choirs, big band, classical chamber music to orchestra, Broadway, bands of different styles, and beyond. Just let me know what you have in mind and we can take it from there!
5. How much does it cost?
Because I offer a number of possible services depending upon the client (from just mixing/optimizing audio/video, to additionally generating guide tracks and parts, arranging, and even performing on your video if requested), I’ve put together a detailed pricing sheet covering all possible scenarios - please just email me at: dd@remotelyrecordedensembles.com to request a copy, and - after discussing your requirements - to get a quote for your particular project’s size and scope. Payment for academic institutions is upon completion (typically by check); for private organizations or individuals I typically ask for 30% upfront and the remainder upon delivery (payable via CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, or check).
6. Where can I find out more information about you?
You can view my bio here and see some testimonials here. You can also visit my artist website (about my other activities and background); my Youtube page, and find me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.